EP3427351A1

EP3427351A1 - Female element and male element for an electrical plug connection, electrical plug connection and method for producing an electrical plug connection

Info

Publication number: EP3427351A1
Application number: EP16813358.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Felix FRIEDERICH; Heiko Christian JAKOB; Benedikt STUIBER; Tobias Bernhard; Simeon SCHMID
Original assignee: Unicorn Energy GmbH
Current assignee: Unicorn Energy GmbH
Priority date: 2016-03-08
Filing date: 2016-12-20
Publication date: 2019-01-16
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-20
Also published as: CN108886222A; WO2017153017A1; EP3427351B1; DE102016104196A1; TW201740638A

Abstract

A female element (10), in particular a plug socket (16), for an electrical plug connection (14), having at least two electrical contact elements (20) for transmitting electrical energy is equipped with a radio unit for transmitting radio signals for identification and/or compatibility checking in respect of allowing a permanently reliable and electrically safe connection independently of the type of power supply, wherein the radio unit interacts with a controller which is used to allow the transmission of electrical energy by means of the contact elements (20), and having a switching element for activating the radio unit, wherein the switching element can be operated by plug-connecting the female element (10) to a complementary male element (12). A male element (10), an electrical plug connection (14) and also a method for producing an electrical plug connection (14) are disclosed.

Description

Socket element and plug-in element for one

electrical connector, electrical connector and method of making an electrical connector

description

The present invention relates to a socket element and a plug-in element for an electrical plug-in connection with at least two electrical contact elements for

Transmission of electrical energy. In addition, the present invention relates to an electrical connector. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a

Method for producing an electrical plug-in connection for transmitting electrical energy.

From the state of the art electrical socket elements and plug-in elements in the form of grounded sockets and earthing plugs are known. When mating of protective contact socket and safety plug is a Run through the contact sequence, since first the protective conductor and only then neutral and phase are connected. In addition, known from the prior art commercially available Autoladestecker with the name "Type 2", the contacting also takes place due to different contact elements and signal pins in a contact sequence, so that contact elements of different polarity

time-delayed connected to avoid an electric arc when plugging or pulling apart.

However, it is disadvantageous that voltage applied to signal pins - and thus exposed contacts. Signal pins will quickly corrode when used outdoors, as they are thin and will not be cleaned by strong incoming current. As a result of contamination and corrosion, bridging between the signal pins may occur. This is with the danger of

Short circuits connected, so that a function is not guaranteed in the long term. If one were to replace the signal pins by a wireless signal transmission, a pairing of plug and socket and thus the concern of a voltage to the contact elements could already be done before the contact elements physical contact

have each other. There is a risk of this

Electric arc and electric shock to the user. A sufficiently safe use of such plugs and sockets is not guaranteed in the long run.

The invention is based, regardless of the Bestromungsart a permanently reliable and the task

to allow electrically secure connection.

The invention solves the problem by a socket element with the features of claim 1. Thereafter, the distinguished Socket element by a radio unit for the transmission of radio signals for identification and / or

A compatibility test, wherein the radio unit cooperates with a controller for releasing the transmission of electrical energy via the contact elements controller, and a switching element for activating the radio unit, wherein the switching element is operable by mating the female member with a complementary plug-in element.

Such an embodiment of the socket element has the advantage that an electrically secure connection

can be produced. This is because the

Socket element and a complementary plug-in element are initially de-energized. By mating of female element and complementary plug element, a switching element is actuated, which serves to activate a radio unit. The radio unit transmits radio signals to make an identification ^¬ and / or compatibility testing of female member and male member or the components connected thereto. In case of positive or authorized

Identification and / or compatibility is a controller with which the radio unit cooperates, the transmission of electrical energy via the contact elements free. Only then are the contact elements energized. This creates a contact sequence in which the formation of a

Arc is avoided and contact elements in the

uncovered state are energized. As a result, the safety in the handling of the female element and

Plug element significantly optimized by a user, especially if the prevailing Bestromungsart is DC. By the radio unit only at

Mating of plug and socket element

is activated, is an unwanted reading or

Manipulating the socket element when not plugged Plug element prevented. In other words, a plug-in element which is complementary to the socket element serves as a "mechanical key" for activating the plug-in element

Radio unit. By deliberately switching on the radio unit, the energy consumption is reduced because no

permanent polling (presence test of a counterpart) takes place.

It is conceivable that the switching element during mating of the socket element with a complementary plug-in element can be actuated by the plug-in element.

The bushing element can not only on vehicles or

Houses are used in any kind of self-sufficient island networks. Accordingly, the socket element

be fixedly mounted on a charging station or a house wall. The female element is for transmission of

DC or AC suitable.

The socket element can be designed as a socket. The contact elements may be designed as contact sockets, which in one for receiving a complementary

Plug element serving receptacle of the female element are arranged. The radio unit is preferably arranged on a wall bounding the receptacle in the insertion direction, in particular integrated in the wall of the receptacle. The contact sockets are suitable for fitting pick-up pins. Also more than two

Contact elements are conceivable.

On one of the contact elements, a voltage of -120 volts to +120 volts, preferably from +50 volts to +70 volts, more preferably applied by +60 volts. At one

another of the contact elements can be a voltage of 0 volts abutment, said contact element is no connection to the earth (no "ground") - The contact elements

and / or their lines are preferably double

galvanically isolated. On a protective conductor can be omitted.

The controller may be in the socket element itself, in a plug-in element complementary to the socket element, or in a terminal connected to a socket element or plug-in element (for example energy store, charger,

Energy consumers) may be arranged. It is conceivable that the controller of the radio unit is connected upstream, wherein the radio unit can be arranged together with switching element in the socket element. The controller can as

Be configured microcontroller.

The switching element may be positioned such that it is actuated only after the contact elements of the female element (e.g., contact sockets) are electrically connected to electrical contact elements of the male element (e.g., contact pins). In other words, the switching element may be in a defined arrangement to the contact elements, so that the switching element only after making an electrical

Contact on the contact elements is actuated. By the switching element, a defined (insertion) position of a plug element in the socket element is detected. The defined position may be an end position where the male element is fully inserted into the

Jack element is inserted. This is the

Safety in handling the socket element

favors, since a release of the energy transfer only when reaching a defined (insertion) position

he follows . Specifically, the switching element may be formed as an electronic switching element, in particular as a sensor element, or as a circuit closing a switch. The switch may be formed as a mechanical switch or button, which is biased by a spring. Next, the switch as nachführender

Contact / contact bridge (electrical switch) to be formed. This creates a structurally simple solution for detecting a defined position. The sensor element can be used as Hall probe (magnetic sensor), light barrier (optical sensor), or capacitor

(capacitive sensor) to be executed. This allows a more accurate resolution when capturing a (plug-in) position.

Advantageously, a locking element for locking a plug-in element on the socket element

be provided. This can be a plug element on

Determine bushing element, whereby the security is increased again. The locking element may be formed as a U-shaped or V-shaped lock bracket. Of the

Lock bracket can serve in blocking position to the rear handle a recess in the plug element.

Conveniently, an actuator, in particular controlled by the controller, may be provided for actuating the locking element. Thus, the locking element is selectively displaced between a release division and a blocking position. The actuation of the actuator by the controller has the advantage that the operation of the

Locking element coordinates to release the

Energy transfer can take place. It is conceivable that the energy transfer only begins when the Locking element has reached the blocking position. This again increases the security.

Advantageously, the radio unit as

preferably active near field radio unit (NFC unit) may be formed. This ensures the desired range of a radio signal transmission over just a few centimeters (Tamper Protection). An active one

Near field radio unit has the advantage that it can also be communicated with a counterpart with passive near field radio unit (passive NFC tag).

The object mentioned above is also by a

Plug element with the characteristics of the sibling

Claim solved. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above statements with regard to the advantages and the inventive step.

The plug element can not only on vehicles or

Houses, but in any kind of self-sufficient island networks are used. The plug element is suitable for the transmission of direct current or alternating current.

The plug element can be designed as a plug. The contact elements may be designed as contact pins, which are arranged on the plug and in the insertion direction

are oriented. Preferably, the radio unit

arranged frontally on the plug, in particular the front side integrated into the plug. The contact pins are for

Insertion in contact sockets suitable. Also more than two contact elements are conceivable.

The controller can in the plug itself, in a complementary plug element to the socket element or in an Plug element or socket element connected terminal (eg energy storage, charger, energy consumers) may be arranged. It is conceivable that the controller of the radio unit is connected upstream, wherein the radio unit can be arranged together with switching element in the plug-in element. The controller can be designed as a microcontroller.

With regard to the possible, on the contact elements

voltage is applied, as this is also on the

Plug element apply to the versions in

Referred to in connection with claim 1.

Appropriately, a switching element for activating the radio unit may be provided, wherein the switching element is actuated by mating of the plug element with a complementary socket element. This can, regardless of whether the socket element, a switching element is present, an activation of the radio unit of the plug element targeted on actuation of the switching element. It is conceivable that the switching element during mating of the plug element with the complementary socket element can be actuated by the socket element.

The switching element of the plug element can correspond constructively to the switching element of the socket element. In concrete, therefore, the switching element as electronic

Switching element, in particular as a sensor element, or be designed as a circuit closing a switch (s.o.).

Advantageously, a locking element may be provided for locking the plug element to a complementary socket element. The locking element can be designed as a lock plate, which on

Plug element arranged and for cooperation with a locking element of a socket element, such as a lock bracket, is suitable. This contributes to increasing the safety in handling the female member.

Advantageously, the radio unit of the

Plug element may be formed as preferably passive near field radio unit (NFC unit). This ensures the desired range of a radio signal transmission over just a few centimeters (Tamper Protection). A passive near-field radio unit has the advantage that it can be fed by a near-field radio unit of the counterpart and does not need its own energy source.

The above object is also achieved by a

electrical connector solved with the features of the further independent claim. With regard to the advantages as well as the inventive step will be on the

References to claim 1.

The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a method for producing an electrical plug connection for transmitting electrical power with the features of the further independent claim. With regard to the advantages and the inventive step, reference is made to the comments on claim 1.

Advantageously, the physical contact between the contact elements by plugging together having at least two contact elements

Bush element with a complementary, at least two contact elements having plug element done. This done by the user, by inserting the plug into the socket element.

Conveniently, the switching element by

Mating the female element with the male element are actuated. It is conceivable that the switching element is actuated during mating by the plug-in element. Hereby, an activation of the radio unit and a possible release of the energy transfer takes place only after mating of plug-in element and socket element. This increases the safety for the user.

For further embodiment of the method, the measures described in connection with the socket element and the plug element can be used.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures, wherein like elements are sometimes only once provided with reference numerals. Show it:

Fig.l in an isometric view

Embodiment of a female member and a male member;

2a, b in a front view and a cut

View (bent section) the socket element and the plug element from Fig.l in

assembled condition;

3a, b in sectional views the socket element and the plug element of Fig.l in the assembled state (a) and during the mating (b); and 4 shows a schematic representation of a circuit diagram of the socket element and the plug element of Fig.1.

Fig. 1 shows a socket member 10 for an electrical connector and a plug-in element 12 for a

electrical plug connection. The female member 10 and the male member 12 form an electrical connector 14th

The female member 10 has a housing 10 'with a

Recording 11 for a corresponding plug-in element 12. The plug-in element 12 has a housing 12 'with a

Plug-in section 13 on. The plug-in element 12 can with its insertion portion 13 can in the receptacle 11th

be plugged in.

The female member 10 is formed as a socket 16 and can, for example, be mounted on a charging station or a wall. The plug-in element 12 is designed as a plug 18 and can be plugged into the socket 16 due to its complementary design.

The female element 10 has two electrical

Contact elements 20 for transmitting electrical energy, which are designed as contact sockets 22. The

Contact sockets 22 are arranged in the receptacle 11.

Jacket sleeves 23 surround the contact sockets 22. In addition, the socket element 10 has a radio unit 24 which serves for the transmission of radio signals for identification verification and / or compatibility testing (see FIG.

The radio unit 24 acts with a release of the

Transmission of electrical energy via the contact elements 20 serving controller 26 together, in the present Embodiment of an energy source 28 (eg

Energy storage or charger) is assigned and possibly forms part of the energy source 28 (see Fig.4). The

Contact bushes 20 are electrically connected in the embodiment with the energy storage 28.

In addition, the socket element 10 has a switching element 30 for activating the radio unit 24, wherein the switching element 30 can be actuated by mating the socket element 10 with a complementary plug element 12, by the plug element 12 (see FIG.

The switching element 30 is positioned such that it is only actuated after the contact elements 20 of the socket element 10 are electrically connected to electrical contact elements 32 of the plug element 12 (see FIG. The switching element 30 is in the present

Embodiment designed as a switch or button 34 and biased by a spring (not shown). The switching element 30 is arranged in the receptacle 11, on or in the receptacle 11 in the insertion direction limiting wall 35. In not shown

Embodiments, the switching element 30 also as

Sensor element (e.g., Hall probe, photocell or

Capacitor) may be formed.

The female member 10 also has a

Locking element 36 for locking a

Plug element 12 on the socket element 10. Das

Locking element 36 is designed as a lock bracket 38 (see Fig. 3a).

The female member 10 also has an actuator for

Actuation of the locking element 36 on (not shown), with which the locking element 36 between a release position and a blocking position

is relocatable. The actuator is controlled by the controller 26.

The radio unit 24 is preferably active

Nahfeldfunkeinheit 40 (NFC unit) formed (see.

Fig.4). The radio unit 24 is arranged in, on or behind the wall 11 delimiting the receptacle 11 in the insertion direction (see FIG.

The plug-in element 12 has at least two electrical

Contact elements 32 for transmitting electrical energy, which are designed as contact pins 42. In addition, the plug-in element 12 has a radio unit 44 for transmitting radio signals for identification verification and / or

Compatibility check on.

The radio unit 44 cooperates with a controller 26 which serves to enable the transmission of electrical energy via the contact elements 32. The controller 26 in the present embodiment is associated with a power source 28 (e.g., energy storage or charger) and may be part of the power source 28.

The plug-in element 12 may further comprise a switching element 46 for activating the radio unit 44, wherein the

Switching element 46 can be actuated by mating the plug-in element 12 with a complementary socket element 10, wherein the switching element during mating through the socket element 10 is actuated (not shown). The switching element 46 is formed in the present embodiment as a switch or button 47 and biased by a spring (not shown). The plug element 12 also has a locking element 48 for locking the plug element 12 to a

complementary socket element 10. The

Locking element 48 is designed as a lock plate 50 (see Fig.3). The locking element 48 has on each leg a recess 51 which is engaged behind in the blocking position by the locking element 36 (lock bracket 38). The locking element 36 projects in sections from the insertion portion 13 of the

Plug element 12 out.

The radio unit 44 of the plug element 12 is designed as a passive near-field radio unit 52 (NFC unit) (cf.

Fig.4). Thus, the radio unit 24 of the socket member 10, the radio unit 44 of the plug element 12 to provide energy. The radio unit 44 is frontally in the

Plug element 12 is integrated, in the insertion section 13th

The method for producing an electrical

Plug-in connection for the transmission of electrical energy proceeds as follows:

First, between the serving for the transmission of electrical energy contact elements 20, 32 a

made physical contact. This is done by plugging together the at least two contact elements 20 having female member 10 with a complementary, at least two contact elements 44 having

Plug element 12.

Thereafter, a switching element 30 is actuated, the one for identification verification and / or compatibility test serving radio unit 24 is activated. The actuation of the switching element 30 is effected by the plug-in element 12, wherein the switching element 30 as a switch or button 34th

may be formed and can be actuated by the insertion portion 13 of the plug element 12.

The radio unit 24 cooperates with a controller 26, which controls the transmission of electrical energy over the

Contact elements 20, 32 releases. The switching element 30 is by mating the female member 10 with the

Plug element 12 is actuated, by the plug element 12th

Claims

claims

1. socket element (10), in particular socket (16), for an electrical plug connection (14), with at least two electrical contact elements (20) for

Transmission of electrical energy, a radio unit (24) for the transmission of radio signals (25) for

Identification and / or compatibility testing, wherein the radio unit (24) with a for enabling the transmission of electrical energy over the

Contact elements (20) serving controller (26)

cooperates with a switching element (30) for activating the radio unit (24), wherein the

Switching element (30) by mating the

Socket element (10) with a complementary

Plug-in element (12) can be actuated.

Second socket element (10) according to claim 1, characterized

in that the switching element (30) is positioned such that it is actuated after the contact elements (20) of the socket element (10) are electrically connected to electrical contact elements (32) of the plug element (12).

3. bush element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switching element (30) as an electronic switching element, in particular as

Sensor element, or as a switch (34) is formed.

4. socket element (10) according to one of the preceding

Claims characterized by

Locking element (36), in particular a

Locking bracket (38), for locking a

Plug element (12) on the socket element (10). Socket element (10) according to claim 4, characterized by an actuator, in particular controlled by the controller (26), for actuating the actuator

Locking element (36).

Socket element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the

Radio unit (24) as, preferably active,

Near field radio unit (40) is formed.

Plug element (12), in particular plug (18), for an electronic plug connection (14), with at least two electrical contact elements (32) for

Transmission of electrical energy and a radio unit (44) for the transmission of radio signals (25) to

Identification and / or compatibility testing, wherein the radio unit (44) is provided with a for enabling the transmission of electrical energy over the

Contact elements (32) serving controller (26) cooperates.

Plug element (12) according to claim 7, characterized by a switching element (46) for activating the

Radio unit (44), wherein the switching element (46) by mating of the plug element (12) with a complementary socket element (10) is actuated.

Plug element (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by a locking element (48), in particular a lock plate (50), for locking the plug element (12) to a complementary socket element (10).

Plug element according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the radio unit (44) as, preferably passive, near-field radio unit (52).

is trained.

11. Electrical plug connection (14) with a socket element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and a plug-in element (12) according to one of claims 7 to 10.

12. Method for producing an electrical

Plug-in connection (14) for the transmission of electrical energy, wherein between the for transmission

electrical contact elements (20, 32) are made in physical contact, after which a switching element (30) is actuated which activates an identification and / or compatibility test radio unit (24), and wherein the radio unit (24) is connected to a controller (26)

interacts, which is the transfer of electrical

Energy via the contact elements (20, 32) releases.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the physical contact between the

Contact elements (20, 32) by mating a at least two contact elements (20) having female member (10) with a complementary, at least two contact elements (44) having plug element (12).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the switching element (30) by mating of the socket element (10) with the plug element (12) is actuated.